Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Reducing Economic Inequality

Tuesday 17 May 2022 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government claims to have significantly reduced poverty and income inequality over the past decade.
  • The Chancellor defended tax reforms, stating that raising the primary threshold to 12,500 ensures the first 12,500 earned is tax-free.
  • The Chancellor reported a reduction of over 1 million people in absolute poverty since 2010.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Economy Children & Families
Context

The question arises from concern over economic inequality in Ruth Jones' constituency.

Question

What recent steps have been taken to help reduce economic inequality in Newport West?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I am very proud of the record of this Government and previous Conservative-led Governments over the past decade of significantly reducing the number of people living in poverty and reducing income inequality. In February we published the levelling up White Paper, which seeks to address the very striking regional disparities our country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps taken recently are not detailed

How: Referencing Previous Achievements, General Statements

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Q2 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Economy Taxation
Context

Concern over the impact of recent tax measures on income inequality.

Question

Does the Chancellor accept that his decision to raise taxes on working people while shielding those with incomes from other sources is increasing income inequality?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The hon. Gentleman is simply wrong. By raising the primary threshold to £12,500, we have ensured that the first £12,500 that anyone earns is completely free of national insurance and income tax. The independent Institute for Fiscal Studies has called it 'the best way to help low and middle earners through the tax system'.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact on income inequality not addressed directly

How: Citing Expert Opinion, General Statements

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Q3 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Inquiry into measures to prevent constituents from falling into a cycle of poverty.

Question

Can the Chancellor confirm that he is doing everything possible to prevent constituents from falling into a cycle of poverty?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The number of people living in absolute poverty has fallen by more than 1 million since the Conservative-led Government were elected in 2010. Public spending is growing at a record rate, both on investment and day-to-day spending.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures not detailed

How: Referencing Previous Achievements, General Statements

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Q4 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Economy Women & Equalities
Context

Concern about the impact of austerity policies on women in Newport West.

Question

What does the Chancellor think this says about the past 12 years of Conservative Government?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Over the past 10 years, we have reduced the number of people in poverty. Public spending is growing at a record rate, both on investment and day-to-day spending, to support public services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact on women not addressed

How: Referencing Previous Achievements, General Statements

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Q5 Jacob Young
Economy Business & Trade
Context

Celebration of a new investment in Teesside's freeport.

Question

Will the Chancellor join me in welcoming the latest investment announced in Teesside's freeport?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We are now seeing proof of that policy, with yet another announcement of more investment and job opportunities for his constituents.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q6 Abena Oppong-Asare Lab Erith and Thamesmead
Economy
Context

Concern over the impact of the cost of living crisis on people's ability to save.

Question

Will the Chancellor confirm that 'Get on your bike' is official Conservative economic policy once again?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

In aggregate, across the economy, savings increased over the past two years by more than £250 billion. Consumer credit has also fallen by about £30 billion over the past two years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific advice on getting another job not addressed directly

How: Citing Aggregate Data, Contextualizing Comments

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